Safe Driving Tips for Kentucky Roads
When exploring somewhere new, reaching your destination safely is the ultimate goal. The prospect of exploring Kentucky’s roads can be an intimidating one. However, the majority of car accidents in Kentucky can be avoided by minimizing any unsafe, illegal, or irresponsible behaviors while at the wheel. Here are a few tips that will help you embark on your Kentucky journey with confidence and minimal risk to you and your passengers.
Avoiding Distractions
Distracted driving has become a significant cause of car accidents in the Kentucky area. For instance, in 2021 the NHTSA reported a thirty percent increase in distracted driving related fatal collisions. To put that in perspective, in 2020 there were only 91 reported distracted driving fatalities compared to the 120 deaths in 2021. Some common examples of distracted driving include talking on the phone, texting and driving, messing with the radio system, or even eating and drinking.
In general, distracted driving can be thought of as any activity that can take an active driver’s attention away from the road in front of them. Taking the extra time to pull over and take care of any potential distractions safely, without the additional risk, will help ensure your safety as a Kentucky driver.
Fasten Your Seatbelt
This is one of the easier and most effective ways to combat car accident risk and decrease your chances at severe injury. Whether you’re just passing through or anticipating an extended stay in Kentucky, it’s imperative to ensure all occupants throughout your vehicle are properly buckled regardless of their seat position. The latest safety data estimates that in 2017 alone an estimated 14,995 lives. With a 91.6% usage rate in 2022, it’s important to recognize how important and impactful proper seat belt usage is.
Stay Calm at the Scene of an Accident
Sometimes accidents still happen despite our efforts to prepare and minimize risk. If you’re visiting a new state like Kentucky, this can further complicate any issues and increase your anxiety. More than anything, staying calm and seeking immediate medical attention is incredibly important for your health and any documentation will help assist a potential lawsuit.
In a no-fault insurance state like Kentucky, PIP insurance is required for each driver and following an accident both parties must file an accident insurance claim. Because of this, collecting proper evidence, photos, and descriptions of the accident scene will vastly improve your chances at medical and financial compensation if the other driver may have been at fault.